Step-down maximum power point tracker for photovoltaic systems

Journal Article · Mon Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 1990 · Solar Energy (Journal of Solar Energy Science and Engineering); (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0038-092X(91)90095-E· OSTI ID:5138973

Salameh, Z M; Dagher, F; Lynch, W A ^[1]

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1. Univ. of Lowell, MA (United States)

A design of a simple, inexpensive, and efficient maximum power point tracker (MPPT) is presented. This design calls for a fixed voltage and a pilot cell to track the maximum power point voltage (V{sub mp}). The tracking is done by changing the duty cycle of a step-down chopper, which is controlled by a direct feedback analog circuit. The control voltage of the tracker is the open circuit voltage (V{sub oc}) of the pilot cell multiplied by a constant. This constant is preadjusted so that it tracks the V{sub mp} of the array in response to any changes due to temperatures or insolation. This MPPT can also function as a voltage regulator for battery charging.

• OSTI ID: 5138973
• Journal Information: Solar Energy (Journal of Solar Energy Science and Engineering); (United States), Journal Name: Solar Energy (Journal of Solar Energy Science and Engineering); (United States) Vol. 46:5; ISSN SRENA; ISSN 0038-092X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140600* -- Solar Energy-- Photovoltaic Power Systems
ANALOG SYSTEMS
DESIGN
DIAGRAMS
EFFICIENCY
ELECTRIC POTENTIAL
ELECTRIC POWER
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
ENGINEERING DRAWINGS
EQUIPMENT
FEEDBACK
FLOWSHEETS
HELIOSTATS
MONITORING
OPERATION
PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SUPPLIES
POWER
POWER SUPPLIES
SOLAR CELL ARRAYS
SOLAR COLLECTORS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SOLAR TRACKING
SOLAR TRACKING SYSTEMS
VOLTAGE REGULATORS